This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine how San Antonio residents are rethinking their relationship with nature—starting in their own front yards. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle, author, naturalist, and founder of the Texas Butterfly Ranch and the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival.
Maeckle’s new book, Plants with Purpose, explores why traditional lawns may be a liability for San Antonio, and how reimagining our landscaping choices can have a measurable impact on water conservation, biodiversity, and the city’s resilience to climate extremes.
In this conversation, Cory and Monika discuss:
• The hidden costs of maintaining lawns in San Antonio’s climate
• How native and well-adapted plants can contribute to local ecosystems
• Strategies for residents—homeowners, renters, and educators—to build greener, more sustainable neighborhoods
• Accessible starting points for those new to native gardening, including resources and recommended nurseries
• The cultural and historical narratives tied to landscaping in Texas
• Examples of successful lawn-to-native transformations around the city, and how attitudes on “curb appeal” are beginning to shift
The episode also addresses the broader implications for water policy, environmental education, and the role of public utilities and HOAs in shaping San Antonio’s urban landscape.
For residents seeking practical steps—and inspiration—on making their homes and communities more sustainable, Maeckle’s perspective is rooted in decades of local experience.
You can find more information about Plants with Purpose, local events, and suggested resources at bigcitysmalltown.com.
RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:
▶️ #125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside – Explore San Antonio’s transformation on a bigger scale as Bob Rivard sits down with Leo Gomez, president and CEO of Brooks, to unpack the revitalization of this former military base into a thriving mixed-use community. Discover how bold leadership, partnerships, and a focus on green space are reshaping the city’s Southside—all connecting back to how we can build a more vibrant, sustainable San Antonio.
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